Traffic signal



May 20, 1924.

W. HARTWICK TRAFFIC S IGNAL Original Filed April 4. 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet l I MUM/72 fizz/i 101M.

INVENTOR- WITNESS:

'ATTORN EY W. HARTWICK TRAFFIC S IGNAL May 20, 1924.

Original Filed April 4, 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 MZZMm/larim'ak.

State of New Jersey,

Patented May 20, 1924.

Flo

WILLIAM HARTWICK, OF COLUMBUS, NEW JERSEY.

mum sIeir'AL.

Application filed April 4,1923, Serial No. 629,894. Renewed April 5, 1924.

concern:

To all whom z't'may 1, WILLIAM HARTWICK,

Be it known that a citizen of the United States, residing at Columbus, in the county of Burlington and and useful Improvements inTraflic Signals,

of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to direction signals for motor operated vehicles, and contemplates a device which is very simple in construction, positive in operation, and one which can be easily manipulated from the drivers seat of the vehicle, so as to inform others in the vicinity of the machine the particular direction, the latter is about to pursue.

In carrying out the invention, I provide a signal of the above mentioned character which is operated by means of a lever arranged within convenient reach of the operator of the machine, and which lever also constitutes the movable element of a switch included in a circuit, so that an electric light bulb arranged directly beneath the signal is illuminated with each operation of the signal, means being provided to render the switch inoperative, during the day time when the light is not desired.

The nature and advantages of the invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in connection with the accompanying drawings, the invention residing in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts as claimed.

In the drawings'forming part of this application, like numerals of reference indicate similar parts in the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the invenltaicin showing its application to an automo- Figure 2 is a rear sembled.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view through Figure 2. Figure 4 is a sectional View taken on line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 1s a perspective view of the inner cylinder. Figure 7 is a view of the means for actuating the inner cylinder.

view of the casing ashave invented new or axle 11.

. Figure 8 is an edge" elevation of the actuatmg means.

Flgure 9' is a diagrammatic view showing the respective circuits.

The signal forming the subject matter of the present invention includes a stationary outer cylinder 10 which is fixed upon .astationary shaft or axle 11, the latter projectmg beyond the ends of the cylinder and threaded as at 12 to accommodate suitable nuts 13.- The cylinder 10 is provided with a lon itudinal sight opening or slot 14 throng -which the indicia carried by the inner rotatable cylinder is viewed. This latter mentioned cylinder is indicated at 15 and is fixed upon a sleeve like member. 16 which is loosely mounted upon the shaft The inner cylinder 15 can vary mconfiguration without departing from the sp1r1t of the invention, but thiscylinder is provided with indicia arranged in parallel lines suitably spaced so that when the cylinder is rotated a predetermined distance one of these lines of indicia is presented to View through the sight opening or slot 12 of the outer casing or cylinder 10. In the normal position of the inner cylinder 15, as shown, the space X which is red in color is presented to view through the sight opening or slot 12 of the outer casing. It will be noted that the .indicia above referred to, carried by the inner cylinder 15 includes the words Right, Left, Slow and Stop so that by turning the said cylinder the proper distance, the desired word may be brought to view through the opening 12. I for .The lever is secured to one end of a cable 21 which is trained over a guide pulley 22 and having its other end secured to a resilient element 23 pro'ecting radially from the sleeve like mem or upon which the inner cylinder is mounted. Consequently, when the lever 17 is moved upon its pivot, a pull upon the adjacent end of the axle'll.

The signal proper is adapted to be arranged at. the rear of the vehicle, being supported by a suitable bracket 23, and forming part of this signal is a chamber 24 which acconnnodates an electric light bulb 25, the latter being connected in circuit with a pilot light 26 mounted upon the dash board of the vehicle. Included in this circuit is a switch comprisinga fixed contact 27, the lever 17 constituting the movable contact, so that when the lever is moved into engagement with the fixed contact incident to the operation of the inner cylinder 15, both lights are illuminated. The pilot light of course is used to keep the driver informed as to the operation of the electric light bulb forming part of the signal. An additional switch 28 is included in the circuit sothat when this switch is opened, the signal can be operated without illuminating either of the above mentioned lights, such as during the day time when the lights are not desired.

While it is believed. that going description, the nature and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent, I desire to have it understood that I do not limit myself to what is herein shown and described and that such changes may be resorted to when desired as fall within the scope of what is claimed.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. An automobile signal comprising a bracket to be mounted on a vehicle, a U-shaped support carried thereby, a cylinder carried by the support, a tubular and laterally extending extension formed on the cylinder, an electric bulb arranged therein and a removable cap on the extension and signalling means within the casing.

2. A device of the character described comprising a cylindrical casing a tubular and laterally extending extension carried from the forethereby, an electric bulb in the extension to illuminate the interior of the casing and a cap arranged on the extension and. signalling means within the casing.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

WILLIAM HARTWIOK. 

